'Kingdom 2' Returns After One Year... Will It Continue the Praise of 'Season 1'?

On the 5th, the production team and cast members attended the Netflix original series press conference, which was broadcast live online. Photo by Netflix

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Korea's first Netflix original series, 'Kingdom,' returns with Season 2 after one year.

On the 5th, the 'Kingdom 2' production presentation was broadcast live online, attended by cast members including actors Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doo-na, Ryu Seung-ryong, and the production team, who introduced Season 2.

On this day, Ju Ji-hoon, who plays the lead role of Crown Prince Lee Chang, said, "The teasers from Season 1 are very well resolved," and added, "In this season, the one who was being chased becomes the chaser," raising expectations.

Previously, Season 1 ended by providing a clue that the temperature was the key to restricting the activity of the infected just before the big battle with the plague-infected.

Bae Doo-na, who plays the role of the female doctor Seo-bi, said, "When I first read the Season 2 script, I gasped every episode. There are twists upon twists, and even the actors were surprised."

She continued, "If Season 1 was a time to adapt to the situation, Season 2 focuses on understanding the situation and solving the problem," adding, "I think you will see a more mature and stable side compared to Season 1."

Regarding the praise for the previous season, Bae Doo-na said, "It is an indescribable joy that Koreans are recognized worldwide for a Korean work," and added, "If Season 1 was an introduction, Season 2 is the story's entry. I hope everyone continues to look forward to it."

Ryu Seung-ryong, who plays Chief State Councillor Jo Hak-ju, explained, "I tried to maintain the tension from Season 1 this time as well," and said, "Although my movements are not big, I tried to express that human desire is scarier than the undead."

Writer Kim Eun-hee said, "In this season, I wanted to talk a lot about blood," explaining the overall flow as "not just red blood, but also veins and lineage."

She added, "You will be able to see two contrasting worlds: the sick who crave blood and humans who seek lineage."

Regarding actress Jeon Ji-hyun's appearance, writer Kim said, "While planning the story, there was a role that seemed to suit Jeon Ji-hyun, so I suggested it, and thankfully she accepted."

Meanwhile, 'Kingdom' is Korea's first Netflix original series, simultaneously released in 190 countries worldwide in January last year. It received acclaim for combining zombies, a common theme in overseas horror films, with the Joseon Dynasty era. In particular, Kingdom gained such popularity in North America that it sparked a 'God' craze.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.